Rodgers Leads Pack

SEMINOLE

Leading Lake Mary To The Brink Of A Title Makes Chris Rodgers Player Of The Year.

March 10, 2005|By Kyle Hightower, Sentinel Staff Writer

A combination of coaching longevity and pure talent has produced some of the best soccer in recent memory around Central Florida over the past few seasons.

And just like in previous years, Seminole County was again a big part of the soccer contingent that arrived in Fort Lauderdale this year to compete for state crowns.

Two of Seminole's teams -- Lake Howell and Lake Mary -- were represented in 2005, each taking nationally ranked teams to the brink of defeat. And for their efforts, several players from each team dot this year's Sentinel's All-Seminole County team.

Lake Mary senior Chris Rodgers was clearly the most dominant player not only in the county, but the area, leading the Rams to a 20-6-2 record and its fifth state final four. The speedy forward and Sentinel's Seminole County player of the year was everywhere for his club this season, scoring a team-high 26 goals.

After his team lost in early January to Winter Springs, Rodgers led his team on a remarkable run that featured 11 straight wins.

"It's pretty amazing how we came back after that Winter Springs loss," he said. "We just realized it was our last year and had to step it up. We competed and almost outplayed the No. 1 team in the nation [6A champion Miami Sunset].

"And I think that's big in itself."

Sunset Coach Jay Flipse called the Rams the best team they had faced all season, specifically pointing to Rodgers' determined play.

"I was just so proud of how far they came this year, from a team that at the beginning of the year I didn't quite frankly think had what it took [to make the final four]," Lake Mary Coach Larry McCorkle said. "They came so far as a team, as individuals and the heart, soul and effort they put into the game.

"The seniors leave Lake Mary still with that legacy of being one of the top teams in the state. I think the seniors can be proud because they left Lake Mary in great hands."

Joining Rodgers on the first team are Lake Mary teammates Chris Marino and Javier Friguls. Both juniors, Marino was the Rams' second-leading scorer with 10 goals and 14 assists and Friguls was one of the best marking defenders in the area.